Survey Sheds Light on Pretexts of Nebraskans' Poverty

75 percent of poor people in Nebraska have full-time jobs. Some are paying 50 percent or more of their income on keeping a roof over their head. Therefore, healthcare costs and access to those services are secondary. A recent survey conducted by Community Action of Nebraska shows more than half of people find it difficult to afford medical, vision and dental care. Last year, 60 percent of respondents delayed medical care because of costs. One-third of Nebraskans said they have problems accessing disability services. Community Action said it's still too early in the Affordable Care Act policy to really determine how this law has impacted access to these services. The survey found people making more than $80,000 perceive poor people as having low motivation, a lack of training or education, and drug abuse or addiction as reasons some Nebraskans are in poverty. For residents making less than $25,000, a lack of training and education is the number one reason for their poverty. One out of five respondents to the survey reported credit card debt greater than $5,000 and nearly one-third spent savings to meet day-to-day living expenses.